Differential association theory

Question 1

Who proposed Differential association theory

Answer 1

Sutherland

Question 2

What does Differential association theory suggest about offending

Answer 2

“factors that contribute to crime should always be present”- use of scientific values to predict crime

Question 3

What are the 3 key parts to Differential association theory

Answer 3

Crime is learnt
Pro Criminal attitudes
Learning criminal acts

Question 4

State one strength of differential association theory

Answer 4

It caused a shift of focus to more scientific reasons for offending- moving away from Lombrossos atavistic theory- suggests environment. More realistic solution instead of eugenics - bio solution

Question 5

state one weakness of differential association theory

Answer 5

Difficulty of testing- although said scientific/ predicted. Hard to see number of pro criminal attitudes exposed to- can not measure so can not see when crime occurs.

Question 6

what is explanatory power in terms of differential association theory

Answer 6

It is an evaluation strength that states it can account for all crimes as it recognises that some crimes are clustered in some places. Some prevelant in affluent groups such as “white colour crimes” which share same norms/ values which are deviant